The Baltics’ Security Environment and Responses to the Security Challenges Stemming from the Crisis in Ukraine

Abstract

The Russian aggression in Ukraine has caused anxiety among the former countries of the Soviet Union, especially in the Baltics, which share direct borders with Russia. However, the weakening sense of security of the Baltics is not inspired by a single factor but several events since 2007. The study provides an overview of these factors while also introduces those counter-measures as well as military programs and reforms in the region which aimed to strengthen the Baltic States’ security after 2014. The final section of the paper presents those assurance measures which were implemented by NATO Allies in order to balance the threat posed by Russia.